England have set Australia a target of 196 to win the second Twenty20 international at Chester-le-Street this afternoon.
Australia, who won the opening match of the series earlier this week, won the toss and decided to bowl.
Alex Hales was the top scorer for the home side, hitting 94 off 61 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes.
Michael Lumb and Luke Wright also made significant contributions for England, but Jos Buttler was out for a duck as the side reached 195-5 at the end of the 20 overs.
Fawad Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers for the tourists, taking three wickets for 25 runs while James Faulkner claimed the other two for 37.
